Manifesto of mountain viticulture
Underwritten by members of CERVIM at Sondrio on 25th November 2000 on the occasion of the International Convention “Vite, vita dei monti”
- Mountain viticulture is an extraordinary expression of daring and courage by man in asking from nature itself the willingness to give support to people who work in particular and difficult geographical territories.
- Mountain viticulture has a fundamental value for the preservation of the environment in quite delicate zones.
- Vines cultivated in mountains grow in unpolluted environments and are an example of biodiversity and they give rise to original wines, of superior organoleptic quality.
- Producing wines in mountains is more expensive than in other environments; on the market the origin must be clearly recognised and promoted through the use of special trademarks so as to be able to guarantee the producer a fair remuneration.
- Mountain viticulture must find greater recognition in the framework of a coherent and overall policy in favour of mountain territories and their sustainable development.
- Mountain vineyards represent a historical monument to the work of man and must also be safeguarded for their landscape and cultural interest.
- The cultivation of vines in mountain areas is a fundamental activity for the maintenance of agriculture in the mountain and for a correct relationship between the different productive activities to the benefit of the local economy.
- Those territories with mountain viticulture must be considered “heritage of humanity” in the senses of the current UNESCO convention.